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Updated: May 21, 2026
Functional Assessment of Intestinal Motility and Gut Wall Inflammation in Rodents: Analyses in a Standardized Model of Intestinal Manipulation
Published on: September 11, 2012
Mitogen activated protein kinases blockade improves lipopolysaccharide-induced ileal motor disturbances
Sergio Gonzalo1, Laura Grasa, Ligia Verónica Hernández
1Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Unit of Physiology, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
Background:
several diseases such as sepsis can affect the ileum. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin present in the cell wall of gram negative bacteria, is a causative agent of sepsis.
Objectives:
the aims of this study were: a) to investigate the role of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the effect of LPS on the acetylcholine-induced contractions of rabbit ileum; and b) to study the localization of MAPKs in the ileum.
Material And Methods:
ileal contractility was studied in an organ bath and MAPKs were localized by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
acetylcholine-induced contractions decreased with LPS. SB203580, SP600125 and U0126 blocked the effect of LPS on the acetylcholine-induced contractions. Phosphorylated p38 and ERK were detected in neurons of myenteric plexus and Phosphorylated p38 and JNK in smooth muscle cells of ileum.
Conclusion:
we can suggest that p38, JNK, and ERK MAPKs are involved in the mechanism of action of LPS in the ileum.
Insights
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reduces acetylcholine-induced ileum contractions. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including p38, JNK, and ERK, are involved in this LPS effect in the ileum.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Background:
- Sepsis, often caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria, can impact the ileum.
- LPS is a key endotoxin in sepsis pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in LPS-induced alterations of acetylcholine-stimulated rabbit ileum contractions.
- To determine the localization of MAPKs within the ileum.
Main Methods:
- Ileal contractility was assessed using an organ bath setup.
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to localize MAPKs in ileal tissues.
Main Results:
- LPS significantly decreased acetylcholine-induced ileum contractions.
- Specific MAPK inhibitors (SB203580, SP600125, U0126) reversed the LPS-mediated reduction in contractions.
- Phosphorylated p38 and ERK were found in myenteric plexus neurons, while phosphorylated p38 and JNK were identified in ileal smooth muscle cells.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that p38, JNK, and ERK MAPKs play a crucial role in the mechanism by which LPS affects the ileum.
- These findings elucidate the cellular signaling pathways involved in LPS-induced ileal dysfunction.
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